Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Second time customer doubly pleased! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Sameer - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I had a 98 Honda CR-V and when it was totalled, I immediately got the then brand new 2003 CR-V. This was in the first week of January when finding one at any price at any dealership was a tough job. I still happily paid the premium (you get what you pay for- about $600 less than MSRP) and since then have been 100% satisfied. High marks for the thoughtful and family friendly interior. Youd be surprised how much space there is when you fold the rear seats! We loved the picnic table a lot (made our car popular among friends!) and it returns in an even bigger form!

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  Wow...This thing is fun - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hrguyil - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased 2003 EX AT in black. Really amazed at the peppy 4 cyl. I traded a 2002 EX V6 Accord coupe and the CRV seems more zippy. Engine is quite on the highway and theres not much wind noise. The suspension inspires confidence in the corners. The tires are a bit noisy and the radio is a bit far away. Perhaps controls on the steering wheel for us commuters. Dealer wouldnt budge on price.

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  Excellent choice ! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By HPL - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought it for $15,400 ( excluded taxes & license ). The seat is comfortable, sporty ! The car is fun to drive, city or highway. Its unique exterior design turned alot of heads. No need for premium gas ! Highly recommended !

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  Get it while you can - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Marvin Wong - June 8 - 7:17 pm

  Reliable and economical. Edmunds.com was a great help.

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  Honda Pilot Love - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By tracy routhier - June 8 - 6:15 am

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  Dying Breed - Get One Before LX is Gone! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By 3RdHonda - June 8 - 1:33 am

  This is my third Honda, all based on the Civic platform, dating back to 1982. The first two were 82 and 89 Civics. They served their purpose, but I ended up with a bunch of Toyotas, including a 1993 Toyota Previa which now has well over 400K miles. When looking for an all-around family utility vehicle, I almost ended up buying the Toyota RAV4, but the 2005 model was too small and the 2006 model is trying to be another Toyota Highlander, bigger and over-priced. I searched all over car lots for something to set itself apart, thats when I came across the 2006 Honda CR-V LX 4WD, the ONLY trim level made in Japan, not England. All 2007 CR-V will be bigger made outside Japan; thats OK, Right?

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  even teenagers like it! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By whattacar - June 7 - 1:23 pm

  a wonderfully designed car. seems like a luxury car with all the advantages of a minivan. spacious, well thought out, handles well and quiet...not much more to ask for in a car costing less than forty.

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  WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? - 2004 Honda Element
  By KOKO - June 7 - 10:00 am

  WITHOUT A DOUBT THE MOST FUN VEHICLE THAT IVE EVER OWNED. OUTSTANDING HONDA QUALITY. ABOUT TIME SOMEONE MADE A PRODUCT THAT APPEALS TO US YOUNG PEOPLE (71 YEARS YOUNG)

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  Cabin noise - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Beaumont - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle,cabin noise/road noise high. Difficult to carry on a discussion. Honda has some work to do, get the noise level DOWN. With the noise level down, this would be a10 , vehicle. **

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  I drive one everyday. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By davm500 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed the Honda CR-V very much.The back seating area has enough for Adults.I went on a Fishing Trip with 5 Tall man and it was a 2 hour drive and everyone was very comfortable.Everyone was very glad that they was in a Honda CRV. For the trip.Try it for your self and enjoy the ride.